ISSI Rocks!

Every summer, Zoe and I have the opportunity to go to the Intermountain Suzuki String Institute. The best way to describe it is "violin camp". We go there everyday from about 9 to 6. People come from all over the US (sometimes Cananda) to attend. Some years there is even a big group from Singapore. The teachers come from all over too.

There are usually a couple of concerts everyday, in addition her classes. They also have "Fun Night" which is basically and assembly where the teachers do funny skits and etc. Zoe also had enough room in her schedule to take a couple of non-violin classes (art and Dalcroze) as well. We had a lot of classes with Sophia, who is a student at the same studio as Zoe.

Zoe had GREAT teachers this year! Her technique teacher, Ms. Leidig, has some awesome teaching/practice ideas and really helped on her tone. Mr. Mutter, who taught her repertoire class, was so much FUN! He kept the kids and parents laughing. Prof. Pat D'Ercole taught Zoe's master class and I was surprised how the little things she worked on made such a big difference.

Ms. Ruth gave the art students so many awesome mediums to work with. Stuff we would never do at home (which Zoe often reminded me of). She came home with clay tiles, wax stamped cards, paintings, etc. etc. Theory was basically a computer class and Dalcroze is a was a great way to move around and break up the day. (FYI: The Dalcroze approach to music learning teaches musical concepts through rhythmic movement, expressive aural training, and physical, vocal, and instrumental improvisation.)

She looks forward to ISSI every summer. It is educational, fun, but most of all I think she just likes having me all to herself. It is very worthwhile any way you look at it!

Sacrament Soiree

Apparently I am lacking in teaching my children that the Sacrament is a sacred ordinance and not a social event. I partook of the water and passed it to Noah. He grabbed a cup, and I passed it to Zoe who did the same.

Then with out warning, Noah raised his cup to Zoe. "CHEERS!" (nice and loud to be sure everyone could hear), then it was bottoms up!

Delayed Dad's Day

I didn't get the chance to bloglicly (publicly, on my blog) wish Chris a Happy Father's Day. Chris is an awesome dad and I am so glad to have him. I know, I know, "no hype, no hoopla" so I'll just say I love you!

Chris' dad, Clair, came over that night for dessert. He is very loving and supportive. He is a great example to his sons, and all who know him. We are fortunate to be able to interact with him so much.

Unfortunately, my dad had the stomach flu so I wasn't able to see him until this week. I forgot my camera, so here's a picture of him and Jonah from our last Fish Lake trip.

My dad is amazing! He is very unconditional and just loves everyone for who they are. He is always there when I need him. He gives great advice, but lets you make your own decisions. I also admire the strength of his faith. I love you, Dad!

Zoo-Go-Round

A couple of weeks ago we went up to the Hogle Zoo to check out the new Endangered Species Carousel. Chris had something come up and the last minute, so I called Shayla to come with us (thanks Shay!).

In celebration of the opening, they had some extra crafts/activities for the kids to do. After our coloring and tattoos, we did the quick loop around to check out the animals, and then made our way back to the carousel. The line was pretty long, but it moved fast.

While we were in line we watched the jugglers on the plaza. One of them came up to Noah and asked to borrow his hat. He balanced it on his nose, then caught it on top of his head. He was pretty goofy, but it was a rather impressive trick.

We finally got our turn. Zoe wanted the ladybug, but ended up on a turkey. I think that it was Jonah's first time on a carousel and he thought it was so fun.

Zoe and Noah's favorite part of the zoo is always the train and playground (they could take or leave the animals) so it's nice to have another attraction to look forward to.

After we left we headed to Five Guys Burgers and Fries. They are supposed to be better than In-and-Out Burger so we were so excited. When we got there we were disappointed to find out they did not open for three more days. By then we were totally salivating for burgers and fries so we were totally bummed.

However, our family did make it there the next week. I loved how the burgers taste closer to the ones you make at home on the grill (none of that frozen stuff). I don't know anything about In-and-Out, so you'll have to let me know what you think.

I'm Alive!

Yes, believe it or not, I am still alive and well. It has been a very busy week, and now I am so behind on "blogging" that I really do not know where to start.

Frankly, it's too late, and I'm too tired, so it will have to wait yet another day. In the meantime, know that I'm here and that I've missed you.

Searching...

So we were getting in the car and I glanced over to see Noah doing a little nose pickin'. I asked him if he needed a tissue. He replied, "No...I was just searching for stuff."

Man, I love that kid!

This IS the Place

This week my sister-in-law, Jill, was in town with her two kids, Kate and Josh. Kate and Zoe, as well as Josh and Noah, are only a few months apart. They have so much fun together. It is fun to see as they get older how they become good friends.

On Monday, Kate and Josh came over to play for a few hours. They mostly played at our house, but we also went over to the park for a little while. We rode bikes/scooters, played on the playground and ran through the fountain (too bad I forgot my camera!)

Then, on Tuesday, my mother-in-law suggested we go up to This Is The Place Heritage Park (that's a mouthful). We had a great time; Weather was just right, we went on a wagon ride, the kids got to pet the farm animals, they rode ponies, made arrowhead necklaces, had yummy ice cream, etc., etc.

Zoe & Kate "having tea" in Brigham Young's farm house.

Ready for our wagon ride!

And some of those cabins! Can you even imagine raising 14 children in a 10x12 cabin? I was definitely born in this time for a reason! I will be more thankful this year on Pioneer Day.

Let the PARTY begin!

Yahoo, summer is here! I am so excited not to have to rush out the door in the morning, make lunches, carpool, etc., etc. I am looking forward to having a LOT of fun this summer and also just plan to spend more time at home doing nothing but being with my kids!

My kids had such a great school year. They had wonderful teachers and I am grateful for all of their hard work. These are the gifts we made for them (thanks Kecia!). I am showing this not because it is the best idea in the world, but because I am hoping you will list some of your ideas so I'll have something for next year.

Noah and Mrs. Durrant

Noah and Mrs. Giles

Zoe and Mrs. Rigby

(She put her glasses on because Zoe had hers on...so cute.

And yes, she really is that small.)

It has become a fun tradition that we go to breakfast on the last day of school with Zoe's friend Sadie. We went to a cute place in Sugarhouse, but I can't remember the name for sure. I think it was Flynn's or something. At any rate, it was yummy.

I have a lot of great intentions for this summer, so we'll have to see how things pan out. If only someone could teach my kids what "sleep in" means, we'd be set!